EDMONTON — Alberta Health Services says two mumps outbreaks linked to four dozen cases of the infection are over.

The outbreaks in the south and Edmonton zones made up more than half the 75 cases of mumps in Alberta this year.

That’s up from eight cases in all of 2016.

The outbreaks began in February and March.

Western Hockey League players and a coach contracted mumps, which prompted the league to advise players to avoid direct contact with fans.

The health service says mumps is preventable through routine immunization.

Symptoms include fever, swollen cheeks and neck. The virus is found in saliva and respiratory droplets. It is spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing, and coming into contact with an infected person’s saliva by sharing drinks or utensils, or by kissing.

People born before 1970 are likely to have been exposed to mumps as a child and are considered to have natural immunity.